Sunday, June 7, 2009

  After 44 yrs of faithful service to the church by working with the children’s choirs and bell choirs, we recognized and honored Anne Oberholtzer at the conclusion of morning worship on Sunday, June 7th.

  Anne and her husband Kenny are longtime members of Christ church and she became involved with the children’s choirs as a staff member in 1965.

With the help of then music director, Leo Jones, all the choirs were given a name beginning with the letter “C”. Those being the Crescendo, Covenant, Celebration, Treble Clef, etc. After being involved with a bell choir at Trinity Lutheran Church, Anne thought it would be a good thing to have at Christ UMC so a bell choir fund was started. Anne saved her staff salary to help build the bell choir fund so a set could be purchased. 

At one time the five bell choirs were Adult, High School, Jr. High, upper elementary and beginners.

They participated in various bell festivals as many as 25 times in places such as Maine, Nebraska, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. 

Being a mother of 10 children, grandmother of 23 and great-grandmother of 3, Anne was always sure to have plenty of snacks available to all the choir members when they arrive for practice after school to keep their energy level up.

The number of lives touched by Anne’s love and gift of music is hard to determine but after 44years of such dedication, it is certain it’s a lot.

Our Staff Parish Relations Chairperson, Gordon Ruggles, led the recognition which also included a special tribute from her Grand-daughter, Meghan Oberholtzer.

Connie Workman was also presented a gift and recognized for her long years of service playing the piano and preparing the youngest of the children for their parts.

The church has also established an endowed fund in Anne's honor to be used, as she has requested, for music lessons or scholarships . As of the end of June 2009 the endowment had exceeded $4,000.  Gifts are still being accepted.  If you wish to make a contribution as an expression of your gratitude, please mark the memo line of your check, "Endowment in honor of Anne O."